Air intake flow device and system

Abstract

An intake flow device and system is disclosed. The flow device may be cylindrically shaped and flexible. An intake conduit may be fitted around the flow device, such that the intake conduit may retain a large diameter for increased air flow, rather than necking down. The flow device may incorporate compression ribs around its outer circumference for positively mating with the air intake conduit. The flow device may also include graduated portions and be configured to direct air to an air metering device. Guide vanes may also be provided within the flow device to control and direct air to the air metering device.

1 . An air intake system comprising:
 an air intake conduit having a proximal end and a distal end;   an air metering device fitted to the air intake conduit, the air metering device configured to measure a characteristic of incoming air flow;   a collar having an inner surface, one or more vanes disposed along the inner surface of the collar, an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface configured so that the collar fits snugly into a proximal portion of the air intake conduit, a proximal end having a bead, the bead mating the collar to the proximal end of the air intake conduit, a proximal portion of the collar having a graduated surface for supporting incoming air flow, and a distal end;   wherein the collar is configured to direct air flow downstream, and to the air metering device.   
     
     
         2 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar further comprises one or more compressible ribs formed on its outer surface. 
     
     
         3 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the air metering device comprises a mass air flow sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the air intake conduit is coupled to an air filtering device. 
     
     
         5 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the graduated surface of the collar has one or more stepped surfaces. 
     
     
         6 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber. 
     
     
         7 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the inner surface of the collar tapers from the proximal end to the distal end. 
     
     
         8 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the graduated surface of the collar has an internal diameter substantially equivalent to an inner diameter of an upstream conduit. 
     
     
         9 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar bead is fit between the proximal end of the air intake conduit and a distal end of an upstream conduit. 
     
     
         10 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar mating surface is fit between the proximal end of the air intake conduit and a distal end of an upstream conduit. 
     
     
         11 . The air intake system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar is generally elliptically shaped. 
     
     
         12 . An air intake collar comprising:
 a malleable collar having an inner surface with a diameter tapering from a proximal end to a distal end of the collar, one or more vanes disposed along the inner surface of the collar, an outer surface configured with ribs so as to conformingly fit within an air intake conduit, the proximal end of the collar having a mating surface configured to abut a proximal end of the air intake conduit, a proximal portion of the collar having a graduated surface for supporting incoming air flow,   wherein the collar is configured to direct air flow downstream, and to a vehicle's air metering device.   
     
     
         13 . The air intake collar of  claim 12 , wherein the graduated surface of the collar has one or more stepped surfaces. 
     
     
         14 . The air intake collar of  claim 12 , wherein the collar is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber. 
     
     
         15 . The air intake collar of  claim 12 , wherein a portion of the graduated proximal surface of the collar has an internal diameter substantially equivalent to an inner diameter of an upstream conduit. 
     
     
         16 . The air intake system of  claim 12 , wherein the collar mating surface is fit between the proximal end of the air intake conduit and a distal end of an upstream conduit. 
     
     
         17 . The air intake system of  claim 12 , wherein the ribs are configured to compress upon insertion into an air intake conduit. 
     
     
         18 . The air intake system of  claim 12 , wherein the collar is generally elliptically shaped. 
     
     
         19 . An air intake flow device comprising:
 a collar having an inner surface, an outer surface configured to conformingly fit within an air intake conduit, a proximal end having a mating surface configured to abut a proximal end of an air intake conduit, and   means for conditioning air flow to a vehicle's air metering device such that the air flow is accurately reported to an electronic control unit by the air metering device.   
     
     
         20 . The air intake system of  claim 19 , wherein the air intake flow device is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber.